Page 130 - July-August 2020

dry it before use professionals need to abide by equally important is to ensure
ii. Between patients use preferred practices in order to adherence to the best optometry
isopropanol or bacillocid. contain the spread of the disease. practices in patient care. This
guideline is a dynamic document
These guidelines along with the
f. Lenses (+20D/+78D/+90D/ use of face mask, practicing social and we expect the practices advised
Gonio): Clean lenses thoroughly distancing, and use of appropriate in this 'editorial' to change as we
with soap and water every day. sanitization and disinfecting get a better understanding of
Spray isopropyl alcohol (99.9%) procedures will assist Indian the COVID‑19 strains. Though all
after use. Allow lens to air dry optometrists in providing their efforts have been made to ensure
before replacing in the case.
services safely. However, there are the accuracy of the document, the
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR areas such as community screening same should not be construed as
NONCONTACT EQUIPMENT and outreach programs that have a statement of law or used for any
not been addressed by these legal purpose.
a. Chin rest, forehead rest, handles, guidelines. As the Government of
table, and surface touched India has issued directive that no ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
by patient: Cleaned with 70% community programs will take place Rajbir Berwal (Board member,
isopropyl alcohol. Allow them for the next 6 months, the current Indian Optometry Federation,
to dry before taking up the next guidelines do not address it. As IOF), Usman Memon: Secretary,
patient
mentioned earlier, these guidelines Association of Schools & Colleges of
b. Recommended sterilisation will be updated from time to time Optometry, India (ASCO), Subhodh
solution and parts by Topcon: and we hope to publish the updated Dixit: President, Indian Optometric
Sterilisation with 77% ethanol: version along with other optometry Association (IOA), Paula Mukherjee
forehead rest (silicone rubber), services in the near future. (Operation Manager OCI), Dr GVS
body cover/chin rest, chin rest Murthy (Board member, Optometry
pin (polyamide resin), touch CONCLUSION Council of India OCI), Dr Anuradha
panel (glass). Use a sterile cotton Optometrists, being primary N (Principal, Elite School of
ball soaked in alcohol to wipe health care professionals, are at a Optometry), Contact Lens guidelines:
the instrument and do not spray. higher risk of infection, and source Ajay Shinde, Prasad Sawant, Dr
Make sure that the moisture of transmission of the disease due Rajeshwari Mahadevan
does not enter the instrument to the proximity of their work with ASSOCIATIONS THAT
c. Computer keyboard and patients. These guidelines provide ENDORSED GUIDELINES IN
monitor: Wipe with a tissue a ready reckoner for optical stores ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
soaked in isopropyl alcohol, and optometry practices to refer to
taking care not to let moisture post lockdown as preferred practice Alumni of LV Prasad Eye
enter them guidelines in COVID‑19 pandemic Institute optometrists, Association
situations. of Optometry for the state of
d. External body of all equipment: Maharashtra, Elite School of
Wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol. DISCLAIMER Optometry Alumni Association,

DISCUSSION COVID‑19 has compelled Indore Divisional Optometrist
organisations to relook at how eye Welfare Association, India Vision
COVID‑19 pandemic has Institute, Jabalpur Divisional
changed the way the entire world care is delivered. This document is Optometrist Welfare Association,
functions and has been termed as drawn to serve as a guideline for Karnataka Optometry Association,
“new normal.” As Government of optical stores, optometrists, and Lotus Optometry Alumni Association,
India has announced Unlock 1.0, public who seek eye care services Mumbai Optical Association,
optical business and optometry across India. This document has Optometric Association of Tamil
practices are beginning to open. been formulated with information Nanbargal, Optometry Association of
that is available to us as of 31 May
st
However, the fight against 2020. While the primary objective is Telangana, West Bengal Association
COVID‑19 seems to be a long drawn to safeguard both, the health and for Optometrist.
one and optometrists as healthcare the wellness of our team members,

| JULY-AUG 2020 | 126 OCI GUIDELINES